“He knows how to handle derbies”: Will this HSV ace become the X-factor? | OneFootball

The timing could hardly be better. For seven weeks, Robert Glatzel was absent from HSV due to a muscle fiber tear. But just in time for the city derby against FC St. Pauli, he reported back.

During the 0-0 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the striker celebrated his comeback. After 79 minutes, he was brought on for winter newcomer Damion Downs. It is clear: Glatzel is also expected to be part of the match on Friday evening (8:30 PM, Sky) at the Millerntor Stadium. The only question is, in what role.

HSV coach Merlin Polzin made no secret during a media round on Monday of the importance Glatzel holds in such games. “Bobby can do derbies,” he said, immediately providing the fitting justification: “He has scored endless goals in these matches, and hopefully, he will continue the streak.”

Originally, the appearance against Gladbach was not planned at all. Polzin openly explained: “The medical recommendation would have been to leave him out for another one or two weeks.” Nevertheless, the coach consciously decided to take a risk. “We gladly took this risk, but it is also completely clear that we now have to build Bobby up carefully because he was simply out for too long,” Polzin continued.

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In the winter, HSV reinforced their attack with Downs. However, the newcomer mostly acted unsuccessfully in his first two appearances. Accordingly, Glatzel's return was positively received by many HSV fans. Even demands for him to start are making the rounds. Polzin has noted these discussions but remains cautious. Another substitute appearance is likely.

That Glatzel can still become the X-factor is shown by a look at his derby record. In six competitive matches against St. Pauli, he scored three goals and assisted another. In the last second-division duel, he scored the decisive 1-0 winning goal, and he was also successful in the last derby at the Millerntor (2-2).

When HSV last won a guest game in the Kiez, Glatzel was not yet part of the team. On March 10, 2019, in the first of seven seasons in the lower house, the Rothosen won 4-0 at the rival's stadium. Glatzel joined the club in the summer of 2021.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.